New Testament
Matthew 8:33
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The men tending the pigs ran into the town and reported everything, including what had happened to the 2 demon-possessed men.
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And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.
What Matthew 8:33 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the men who were responsible for taking care of the pigs witnessed a miraculous event where Jesus healed two men possessed by demons. After this incredible occurrence, they were so frightened and shocked that they ran back to the town to tell everyone what had happened. They reported not only the healing of the demon-possessed men but also the loss of the pigs, which had drowned in the sea after the demons were cast out. This incident highlights the power of Jesus over evil spirits and the fear it instilled in those who witnessed it. The reaction of the pig herders shows how the miraculous can provoke fear and awe, leading people to share their experiences with others. It also raises questions about the value of human life versus material possessions, as the loss of the pigs was significant to the herders and the community.
How to apply Matthew 8:33 to your life
This verse encourages us to share our experiences of God's power in our lives, even when they are shocking or difficult to understand. It reminds us that witnessing God's work can inspire fear, awe, and a desire to tell others about His miracles, prompting conversations about faith and healing.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Freeing a Man from Demons (Matthew 8:28–34)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 8:33 mean?
Matthew 8:33 describes the reaction of the pig herders after witnessing Jesus heal two demon-possessed men. They were so shocked and frightened by the event that they ran to the town to report everything, including the loss of the pigs that drowned after the demons were cast out.
What is the significance of the pigs in Matthew 8:33?
The pigs in Matthew 8:33 symbolize the material possessions that were lost due to the miraculous healing of the demon-possessed men. Their drowning highlights the tension between valuing human life and material wealth, as the herders prioritized the loss of their pigs in their report.
What happened to the demon-possessed men in Matthew 8:33?
In Matthew 8:33, the demon-possessed men were healed by Jesus, which was a miraculous event that astonished the pig herders. This healing demonstrated Jesus' authority over evil spirits and transformed the lives of the men who were previously tormented.
Why did the pig herders flee in Matthew 8:33?
The pig herders fled in Matthew 8:33 because they were terrified by the miraculous event they had just witnessed, including the dramatic healing of the demon-possessed men and the loss of their pigs. Their fear prompted them to rush back to the town to share the shocking news.
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